Baked Mozzarella Sticks are a crunchy, cheesy treat that everyone loves. These sticks are coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust and baked until golden, so you get that perfect melty cheese inside with a satisfying crunch on the outside.
I love making these because they’re way less messy than fried versions, and they bake up crisp and delicious in the oven. Plus, with just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch whenever you’re craving that gooey, cheesy goodness.
My favorite way to serve these is with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping. It’s the perfect combo of tangy and cheesy that makes snack time feel extra special. Whenever I bring these to a party or family gathering, they disappear fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Baked Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella: String cheese works great and is easy to coat, but block mozzarella cut into sticks works too. Look for low-moisture mozzarella to help prevent too much melting out.
Bread crumbs: Italian seasoned breadcrumbs add flavor, but you can use plain ones and mix in dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, and parsley. Panko crumbs work well for an extra crispy crust.
Egg wash: The beaten egg mixed with water helps the coating stick. For a dairy-free option, you can try a little milk or even a plant-based milk substitute.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nice salty, nutty taste to the crust. You can skip it or replace with nutritional yeast for a vegan twist.
How Do I Keep Mozzarella Sticks from Melting Too Fast in the Oven?
Freezing the coated cheese sticks before baking is the key! This step firms up the cheese so it doesn’t ooze out during baking.
- After coating, place the sticks on a baking sheet.
- Freeze for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Bake from frozen right in the oven.
- Keep an eye on them so the crust crisps but cheese stays inside.
This little pause helps the cheese stay melty inside with a golden crust outside, making every bite perfect!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet with parchment paper – I like to use parchment to make cleanup easy and help the sticks not stick.
- Three shallow bowls – perfect for setting up your coating stations without mess.
- Vegetable peeler or sharp knife – to cut mozzarella into sticks if using a block cheese.
- Spray bottle or cooking spray – helps get a crispy, golden crust on top.
- Cooling rack (optional) – lets air circulate around the sticks after baking to keep them crispy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use pepper jack or cheddar instead of mozzarella for a different flavor and heat level.
- Mix in finely chopped herbs like basil or parsley into the breadcrumb coating for added freshness.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture for some spice or smoky flavor.
- Swap marinara for ranch or garlic aioli for dipping—you can change the flavor to match your taste or mood.
Baked Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks (or 12 ounces block mozzarella cut into sticks)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp water
- 2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (or plain breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tsp each dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, and parsley flakes)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Marinara sauce for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour to freeze the coated mozzarella sticks before baking. The baking itself will take around 8 to 10 minutes. So, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes in total, including freezing and cooking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. If you’re using block mozzarella, cut it into 3 to 4-inch sticks.
2. Set Up Your Dipping Stations:
In three shallow bowls, prepare the coatings. Put the flour in the first bowl. In the second bowl, beat the eggs together with 1 tablespoon of water. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and dried herbs if you’re using plain breadcrumbs.
3. Coat the Cheese Sticks:
Dip each mozzarella stick first into the flour, shaking off any extra. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully covered. Then roll it around in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to stick well. For extra crunch, repeat dipping the stick again in the egg and breadcrumbs for a second coat.
4. Chill Before Baking:
Place all the coated sticks on the baking sheet and lightly spray them with cooking spray or olive oil spray. Freeze them there for at least 1 hour—this helps the cheese stay inside while baking.
5. Bake Until Crispy:
Once frozen, bake the mozzarella sticks in your preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they turn golden and crispy but don’t burn.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Let them cool for a couple of minutes after baking to avoid burning your mouth. Serve warm with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping, and enjoy that gooey, cheesy deliciousness!
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Sticks for This Recipe?
Yes, you can bake frozen mozzarella sticks straight from the freezer. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time and keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
How Do I Prevent the Cheese from Oozing Out?
Freezing the coated sticks before baking is crucial! It firms up the cheese so it holds its shape during cooking and keeps the melty center inside a crispy crust.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! After coating and freezing the sticks, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to one month. Bake directly from frozen when ready.
What Are Some Good Dipping Sauce Options?
Marinara is classic, but ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy mayo also pair wonderfully. Feel free to mix it up based on your taste preferences!